Manhattan or Pulau Rhun? In 1667, Nutmeg Made the Choice a No-Brainer.
The isles of Manhattan and Pulau Rhun could hardly be farther apart, not just in geography, but also in culture, economy and global prominence.
Asian news from Indonesia
Indonesia’s fragile democracy faces badly flawed election
In a record year for elections around the world, Indonesia’s February 14, 2024, vote is set to be one of the largest – and it will be one of the sternest tests for democracy’s progress.
Indonesian students to demand president remain neutral ahead of poll
JAKARTA — Hundreds of Indonesian students were set to protest on Wednesday (Feb 7) against outgoing President Joko Widodo's perceived interference in the Feb 14 election to replace the leader of the world's third-largest democracy, an organiser said.
Jokowi faces backlash over support for Prabowo's presidential bid
JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo is facing mounting backlash over his support for Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto ahead of Indonesia's presidential election next week, as academic communities join growing critics accusing the president of undermining democracy.
Will foreign investment bring growth to the Philippines? Constitutional changes raise concerns over local interests, inflation
The Philippine senate’s move to discuss easing constitutional limits on foreign investment has raised concerns it would come at the cost of local industries, with critics highlighting similar efforts by neighbouring economies in the past did not lead to inclusive growth.
Indonesian presidential vote highlights tradeoffs between fast growth and a healthy environment
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A presidential election in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, is highlighting choices to be made as the country seeks to profit from its rich reserves of nickel and other resources that are vital to the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Letter from Nikkei Asia's editor: Nothing left to chance
Hello from London. I am in town for a short visit to meet with colleagues and discuss various editorial priorities. As we all know, 2024 is a big election year, and elections are always a hot topic. That is why many of my newsletters inevitably focus on the upcoming votes.
Generative AI may change elections this year. Indonesia shows how
JAKARTA — Fika Juliana Putri, a 19-year-old shopkeeper in East Jakarta, plans to vote in Indonesia's presidential election next week for a once-feared former special forces commander. She likes him, she says, because he's cuddly.